I've always been fairly athletic, but my arms have never been particularly strong. Even when I was a gymnast a thousand years ago, I was better on floor and beam than bars. Running and lifting legs come easy, but taking the time to go through biceps and triceps and the rest of it just bores me to tears. There was one summer I did manage to get my upper body into impressive weight-lifting shape, but I was dating a trainer so you do the math. Anyway, I've very recently decided it's time to do something about this and have started taking cross-training classes at the gym. Earlier this week, a friend and I ventured into a new class which can only be described as intense. The music was fast, the moves were fast, and the focus shifted from one muscle group to the next in rapid succession. The crowd was slightly intimidating too - 50 fabulously fit gay men, a couple of ripped women, and us. It was fun but humbling. Then yesterday, I flew solo into a similar class at a different locale. It was slower and more deliberate. It was more about repetition. The instructor wore a Metallica t-shirt and played an hour's worth of 80's and 90's hard rock.
I know it's highly improbable, but I do feel stronger already. I'm also incredibly sore. But it's definitely fun to have a new focus, and I'm looking forward to seeing real results.
I may also try to talk teacher #2 into better taste in music, but for now, it's one challenge at a time.
1 comment:
The Nautilus Training Principles are my favorite. So I would like to discuss them, but only for informational purposes, and not for instructional purposes. Please seek advice from you medical professional before starting any exercise program.
It is a simple system that involves starting out extremely light. This makes it is really easy to start, especially if you have not worked out for some time.
It involves increasing by 5% every time you work out, so you don't really notice it. That means using a calculator and keeping a notebook on your progress while working out.
These very slight constant increases trick the body into building more muscle. The keyword is 'constant' and that is why starting extremely light is key. Slight increases are beneficial for building musle.
So extending the benefits over a longer period of time is the goal. While starting moderately may decrease the number of slight increases which may mean less muscle building. This is because the body is naturally stingy about building muscle when there is no increase.
It takes about six weeks to notice results. So not long after you make your second monthly payment at the gym, don't be surprised to find yourself noticably in shape.
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